Tourism Minister Max Fernandez received glowing praise during Tuesday’s Throne Speech as the government credited him with helping to drive Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism industry to record-breaking levels.

Governor General Sir Rodney Williams said more than one million cruise passengers are expected to arrive during the current season, while overnight arrivals are projected to exceed 500,000 visitors this year.

The speech described Fernandez’s leadership as instrumental in expanding the country’s tourism product and offerings.

“He has presided over an expansion of the tourism product and offerings,” the Governor General declared while congratulating Fernandez and his tourism team for elevating the sector “to a new level.”

The government also highlighted ongoing infrastructure upgrades tied to tourism growth, including runway repairs at VC Bird International Airport and the opening of a new runway and air terminal at Burton-Nibbs International Airport in Barbuda.

The continued expansion of tourism remains central to the administration’s broader vision of creating what it describes as an “economic powerhouse” and “lifestyle superpower.”